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Telephone Era in Alberta >> The People
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The labour division of a telephone company consists of those who
perform the physical work associated with running a network of
thousands of phones.
The type of work performed by craftsmen in telephone companies in
Alberta today can be divided into two areas – construction and
networking.
The construction craft deals with the physical production and
maintenance of telephone systems. It includes the linemen,
installers and repairmen. Workers may be expected to perform a
variety of tasks depending on their job description. Often, their
work involves climbing utility poles or entering manholes, cable
vaults and pedestals in order to install, test, maintain and inspect
telephone lines and cables.
In the network craft, employees handle the telecommunications
networks that are part of our daily lives today. They install,
maintain, repair or remove wiring networks, consumer communications
equipment and switchboards. They also deal with specialized
telephone-related equipment such as intercoms, fax machines,
computer networks and electronic key systems. The maintenance of
various types of microwave, television, toll and switching equipment
used for both local and long distance service also falls under the
work of the network craftsman.
A craftsman’s work is not always easy. The job expectations have
changed since the first telephone lines were laid in Alberta in the
late 1800s. Telephone technology is much more complex today, and
workers must know their equipment inside out.
The job requires workers to possess strong mechanical and
analytical skills, as well as the ability to do fine component work
with their hands. As well, it is expected that installers who do
work in customers’ homes or businesses be polite, tactful, and
adaptable.
There is no doubt that the work of a telephone craftsman can be
physically demanding. There is also the added risk of electrical
shock or injury from falling. However, those who work in the labour
sector of Alberta’s telephone industry know that the rewards are
worth the risks. The constantly changing nature of the industry
creates a stimulating and challenging environment where there is
always something new to learn, and where creativity is a valued
trait.
Currently, over 4500 Albertans are employed as labourers in the
industry. They often start out as journeymen in telephone
apprenticeship programs offered at collages and institutions in
Alberta.
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Heritage Community Foundation and
Telephone Historical Centre All Rights Reserved
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